Statewide Initiative Modifications

HB 160 modifies Utah's statewide initiative process by increasing the required signature threshold from 4% to 8% of active voters for both legislative submission and direct voter submission. It equalizes these requirements and mandates that initiatives not approved by the legislature automatically appear on the ballot at the next general election. The bill affects citizens seeking to propose new laws via initiative petitions, requiring more signatures and ensuring legislative inaction leads to voter approval. Key provisions include standardized signature percentages statewide and by district, and automatic ballot placement without additional signature collection. These changes take effect on May 6, 2026.